Septic System Components

Typically, your septic tank will be made from concrete and have a capacity of about 750 to 2000 gallons. Most new models are comprised of 2 compartments featuring an inlet baffle and an outlet baffle.

Although variations do occur, many septic tanks are approximately 5 feet wide, 8 feet long and 5 feet deep. Within the tank itself, there can be a buildup of corrosive gases between the tank lid and the surface of the effluent. These gases can even cause a tank to collapse, so always make sure that you have regular inspections provided upon each pumping of your system.

You can learn more about necessary maintenance by visiting our Caring for Your System page, and you can also contact our office and we’ll provide you with a copy of It’s in Your Backyard – Understanding and Maintaining Your Septic System, published by the Ontario Association of Sewage Industry Services (OASIS).

Baffles

The baffles on a septic tank are installed at the inlets and outlets. The inlet baffle prevents mixing in a portioned septic tank, and the outlet baffle keeps suspended solids from moving to the leaching field. Both baffles are essential in keeping the surface scum layer undisturbed.

Now, baffles are typically made from plastic, but they used to be made from concrete in older systems. No matter what kind of baffles you have, it is always important to have them inspected along with the tank itself.

Effluent Filter

Along with the outlet baffle, an effluent filter can keep suspended solids from exiting into the leaching field or tile bed. If these items are not working correctly, they can cause backups and tile bed failure. Effluent filters are a good way to increase the life of your system and insure its proper function.

These filters are mandatory in all new systems, and maintenance is required throughout the year to keep them in top shape. If you are having a new filter installed or would like to know how to perform the regular maintenance yourself, we can help.

Pump Chamber

For systems that require a raised leaching bed and larger septic systems, a pump is often required to move the effluent to the leaching field. Our professionals at Weber Septic Services can provide all of the pump installation services and maintenance that you need. Besides supplying new pumps, we also have alarm systems which are used to warn owners if there are problems with the pump.

With some septic systems, storage tanks are used instead of drainage fields. These tanks typically hold around 2000 gallons of wastewater or more. As the tank fills up, there is an alarm that will warn you when it is time to have it pumped.

Leaching Beds/Tile Fields

Various distribution systems exist for the wastewater that exits the septic tank. Some of the common layouts include raised leaching beds, area beds, filter beds and shallow buried trenches.

The type of system that you will need is dependent on many factors such as location, size of the system needed, soil conditions, etc. When it comes to designing a distribution system that works best for you, you can trust in Weber Septic Services.

Biofiltration Systems

With a biofiltration system, they typically take up less space than a traditional septic tank, and their operation is quite different. When wastewater enters the system, it is dispersed over the surface of a peat-based filter bed. That filtration system removes much of the harmful organic waste before the discharge is released into the ground.

When considering this option, you must follow local regulatory standards about site location. You should also consider the amount of use that this system will need to withstand. To learn more, please give us a call.

Sewage Treatment Plants

Some residential and commercial septic systems have a component called a sewage treatment plant. This component is installed to help clean the outflowing wastewater. Each sewage treatment plant is required to have yearly maintenance as well as monitoring. Weber Septic Services can serve as your regular maintenance provider, and we will ensure that all necessary regulations are being met. If you have any questions or if you believe that you are in need of service, please do not hesitate to call.